Certain Things || L.C.

Chapter Seven*

Warning!!! smut ahead (18+ ONLY)

March 31st, 2006

The next week and half had flown by, Leah and Conner having fallen into a regular routine. Leah would visit the diner on days that he worked, sitting at the bar to talk to him during their slow times. Conner had made a habit of driving out to the Clearwater's house whenever he had time off. Whether it was taking walks with her, watching movies on her couch while they curled up under a fluffy blanket, whatever they did, they did together. The feeling of being near each other was so comforting, Conner wasn't sure how had lived before her. The thought of losing her had began to feel suffocating to him.

His nightmares had become less frequent as well, although he did still find himself plagued by them some nights. It probably helped to not be woken in the middle of the night by Bella as well. Her nightmares had stopped when Edward had returned. Or at least when they did happen, Edward would comfort her throughout them before they got out of hand.

He could hear that Edward was there every night, his room being right next to his sisters. They weren't exactly quiet when they talked and the walls of th house were thin. Charlie was of course completely oblivious to this fact. Conner had grown to ignore the presence of the immortal teen. Sure, he creeped him out, but he had stuck to himself for the most part, trying not to bother Conner.

He had just finished showering after his shift, dressing quickly in whatever clean clothes he could find. He had made plans earlier in the day, like most, to meet up with Leah, deciding on going on a hike since the weather had warmed up that morning. It was only early afternoon, the man only working a short shift that morning, so the sun was still high in the sky.

Time blurred around him, and before he knew it, he was standing at Leah's front door knocking. After a few moments of waiting, the door swung open, revealing the woman. A smile grew on his face, the world fading around them. It never got old, seeing her face. She seemed to give him perpetual butterflies. "Ready?" He asked expectantly, offering his hand to her.

She took his outstretched hand, taking him up on his offer. "Ready." She confirmed. The two turned, beginning the trek to the edge of the forest. Conner focused on the warmth of her hand, letting himself ease into the familiar comfort of her presence. They had found themselves touching more and more often, whether it was holding hands or Leah laying her head on his shoulder while they watched tv. Leah made sure never to push it too far, not wanting to scare him away, but Conner always found himself leaning into her embrace.

They would carry small conversations on walks like these, never straying to too serious of topics. The two were focused on getting to know each other and relishing in their company. Reaching a small stream, Conner climbed up the last ridge, offering Leah is hand to help her up. They sat together on the edge of the stream, ridding themselves of their socks and shoes. Conner dipped his toes in the warm water, Leah following after.

Leah stared ahead into the trees, looking deep in thought. Conner turned to her, taking in her beauty. "Penny for your thoughts?" He said, prompting conversation.

She looked to him, giving a fragile smile. "Just thinking about everything." She started, glancing down to their intertwined hands. "Patrols have been really stressful lately, with the red head being so close." She explained.

Conner didn't buy it. He could tell there was something else going on, seeing the torment behind her eyes. "Yeah, but that's not it, is it?" He asked. She looked into his eyes, coming to the conclusion that there was no point in keeping anything from the man anymore. He was already her whole world, so what was the use in not telling him everything? "I guess I'm just missing him. My dad I mean." She clarified.